What's Next For Zelda?
- Thread starter Darkmakaimura
- Start date
SILKYSMOOTH30FPS
Member
I want a darker theme like Zelda MM. I also want it to be more linear, but with a bunch of paths to explore. That's pretty much it.
Wish they reworked its outdated combat system already. Its so basic and spammy.
Wish they reworked its outdated combat system already. Its so basic and spammy.
TintoConCasera
I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
Amazing that they could pull this off in 1998 but games nowadays have issues having so much variety and unique assets. Amazing and sad.
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Neff
Member
They could do it now, they just like to change the recipe with each game.
SS went all-in on the dungeon experience by implementing dungeon design in the overworld itself. BotW and TotK switched gears by going in the other direction entirely, minimising dungeon exploration and maximising overworld exploration.
As much as I like BotW and TotK, I really do want to experience that feeling of stepping into OoT's Water Temple or Forest Temple for the first time in a modern game. The change in geography, lighting and mood- knowing you're going to spend a signifcant chunk of time committing to a unique environment, Zelda does it better than any other series.
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
It's a case of when tech was not as advanced they needed to use art direction and pushing things to their limits to get the level design we got at the time and fast forward to now to where tech is so advanced they have no idea what to do with it...when it should be easier to pump out 1998 era designs left and right.
George Lucas said it best. Art is technology. You come up with an artistic problem and invent the technology to illustrate what you want to show to your audience. Instead they are inventing technology before they know what to with it. It's similar to painting. You can have all the colors but if you don't know what to paint then it really doesn't matter.
So we run into this issue where when tech was bad...love, passion and creativity led to better games. Now that tech is good you get bad games that are worse in comparison.
Today we have so many options that you don't know what to choose. When back then you did "more with less" and sometimes "less is more".
I can tell you the dungeons and worlds in OoT/MM/TP/WW are more memorable then BotW/TotK and a part of that is the dungeons and world were connected in a way that made sense.
With TotK I think the only memorable thing I really remember is the journey to the Wind Temple which was really just a derelict airship.
To compare it to say OoT or TP Water Temple? Can't even compare.
OoT Water Temple map design btw
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![L*][*N*K](/data/avatars/m/842/842515.jpg?1750247637){kind=avatar}
L*][*N*K
Member
Expecting Zelda to go back to the old style is genuinely baffling to me, will Resident Evil go back to tank controls and fixed camera? Will God Of War go back to fixed camera and Kamiya-esq combat? No, these games stood the test of time for a reason they evolve and grow and I expect the same level of growth from the next Zelda game as they did when they went 3D with OoT and when they went open world with BotW, 2027.
Trilobit
Absolutely Cozy
I'm genuinely surprised that there isn't more of this kind of speculation on Gaf. Half of the fun is dreaming about what kind of game you want and speculating based on previous entries. And then when you get a breadcrumb of new information you spin out a whole speculative game based on it.
But maybe it's a question of whether someone has imagination or not.
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
Steps they can take towards evolution of the franchise is getting rid of Weapon Durability and making gear acquisition and upgrades to HP more meaningful then do the 300+ shrine puzzles that aren't connected to the game world in any way.
Players have been wanting some degree of choice in character customization so I think at this point for Zelda to grow they should let you choose and create your own Character from all of Hyrules races whether it is a Hylian, Goron, Zora, Rito, Gerudo.
If they want to stick to the preset character formula they could opt to give a Link or Linkle option.
And if Princess Zelda is an option many would rather see her use magic as a Mage instead of what we got in Echoes of Wisdom which is summon things to do stuff for you and play as Link sometimes.
I wager half of my playtime in BotW and TotK amounts to
digimaster7
Member
a zelda BOTW style gacha game to act as genshin killer 
, I don't want to imagine the fans rage
saving my tri force for that 5 star zelda summer outfit
, I don't want to imagine the fans ragesaving my tri force for that 5 star zelda summer outfit
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L*][*N*K
Member
%100 on board with the weapon durability thing, it totally hindered the experience for me with both games I would love to build my weapon and make it stronger and develop my character around it, Idk about the thing to be honest I think we should still play as Link.Steps they can take towards evolution of the franchise is getting rid of Weapon Durability and making gear acquisition and upgrades to HP more meaningful then do the 300+ shrine puzzles that aren't connected to the game world in any way.
Players have been wanting some degree of choice in character customization so I think at this point for Zelda to grow they should let you choose and create your own Character from all of Hyrules races whether it is a Hylian, Goron, Zora, Rito, Gerudo.
If they want to stick to the preset character formula they could opt to give a Link or Linkle option.
And if Princess Zelda is an option many would rather see her use magic as a Mage instead of what we got in Echoes of Wisdom which is summon things to do stuff for you and play as Link sometimes.
I wager half of my playtime in BotW and TotK amounts to
Hudo
Member
I would argue it's actually a "real" thread for once. The real memory wasters are console war threads. E.g. whenever Xbox does or doesn't do something, whenever Shuhei Yoshida says something, whenever Switch 2 sales come up, etc.
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Dr. Suchong
Member
Pachinko.
Neff
Member
Something that doesn't get commented on often is the obvious influence that the rise of mainstream horror games at the time (Alone in the Dark and RE1) had on Ocarina- the moody dark lighting, the torture dungeon under the well, the screaming zombies under the graveyard, that fucking horrific blood-streaked albino THING with the long arms coming out of the ground, and so on. Zelda is no stranger to eerie or unsettling vibes, but they never really went in as hard with such propensity for the macabre again. Would be cool if they did.
Hudo
Member
L*][*N*K
Member
SamuraiEdge
Member
I'm all for this next before any other big Zelda game. OOT Remake would be great.
TintoConCasera
I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
They already did, and they fucked it up.
jzbadblood
Member
Metroidvania style with the physics abilities and shit from TOTK. Takes place in the Cube from the movie Cube.
Hashassin
Member
You may give me millions of pieces, it will never be mended! Never I say!There you go
Greetings, fellow human of culture. Simply mentioning the Cube earns you my vote.
touchfuzzy
Member
This, and make it sci-fi Cyberpunk dystopian setting and Link rides around on a motorcycle everywhere and the Master Sword is a lightsabre now.
...okay I'm actually on board.
Felt that way in TotK where I spent a ton of time in the desert then had to prepare to spend time in the winter mountains then spent time in the fire mountains then in the jungle and in the rainy lightning areas?
Fairly unique qualities in each.
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
Dacvak
No one shall be brought before our LORD David Bowie without the true and secret knowledge of the Photoshop. For in that time, so shall He appear.
I think I might be in the minority on this, but I'm kind of hoping they continue with the giant open world Zelda mainline games, while keeping the standard formula games as smaller installments.
I've been replaying BotW recently and it really is just such a damn masterpiece. I would love another game in that exploration style, but with a brand new map, and completely reworked weapons/combat/dungeons.
Actually, I guess I'm saying I'd like something of a hybrid between OoT and BotW.
And yes, I want a darker, grittier story. Give me those MM vibes.
I've been replaying BotW recently and it really is just such a damn masterpiece. I would love another game in that exploration style, but with a brand new map, and completely reworked weapons/combat/dungeons.
Actually, I guess I'm saying I'd like something of a hybrid between OoT and BotW.
And yes, I want a darker, grittier story. Give me those MM vibes.
Trilobit
Absolutely Cozy
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
Honestly most Zelda games are pretty dark. If they want to push LoZ Fallout then what they need to do is get rid of Weapon Durability. Making gear meaningful by making it limited duration and throwaway is NOT what we want.
You could argue that BotW/TotK in terms of the world and it's uh story is one of the darkest yet.
Though I think they better not try and do the Memories/Tears thing again. It was interesting the first time but it only works once.
I'd prefer an artstyle similar to Twilight Princess. It had that dreary grimdark look I prefer. BotW/TotK is cartoony and despite dark and heinous stuff going on you can't really take it seriously.
SamuraiEdge
Member
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
I'll take new games...but so far they are very keen on their Zelda soft reboot.
Unfortunately the best we will have of classic 3D Zelda on Switch 2 hardware is HW Definitive with that nice 60 FPS enhancement.
SamuraiEdge
Member
They seem to have those small sude games before the big ones. I did hope we would get another Chibi experience with the Oracle GBA version as thought that would fit well, and I wouldn't say no to another Four Swords. Loved them.
Rran
Member
Majora's Mask wasn't even THAT dark. It was mostly subtext and atmosphere, not just going edgy and grisly. I'm tired of people overselling this game's occasional creepy moments as this nonstop nightmare. It's infrequently slightly more unnerving than your average Zelda or Dragon Quest game, but nothing that'd push it to M or even T.
Besides, I'm not sure if I agree with the darker/grittier thing. The tone is fine in the series, the latest games just need better plots. They have their moments--the emotional twist in TotK was a great one--but lately they're largely are kind of soured by other storytelling problems. Lack of flow, lack of proper buildup. TotK had that twist but then dropped the ball with an easy overly-pat ending.
They're also somehow pretty light on crucial story dialogue while paradoxically also being too talky and repetitive. Echoes of Wisdom was ESPECIALLY bad at this. Geez Louise, what a ton of jabbering about a remarkably simple plot. A monster is making evil spots pop up like I just experienced in Splatoon, Bowser's Fury, Color Splash, Origami King, and the last two Zeldas I GOT IT
That said I still love TotK and especially BotW. I'd like to see those game's large worlds and interactive elements mixed in with some more traditional dungeons and progression. Sounds contradictory but I think they can pull it off.
Besides, I'm not sure if I agree with the darker/grittier thing. The tone is fine in the series, the latest games just need better plots. They have their moments--the emotional twist in TotK was a great one--but lately they're largely are kind of soured by other storytelling problems. Lack of flow, lack of proper buildup. TotK had that twist but then dropped the ball with an easy overly-pat ending.
They're also somehow pretty light on crucial story dialogue while paradoxically also being too talky and repetitive. Echoes of Wisdom was ESPECIALLY bad at this. Geez Louise, what a ton of jabbering about a remarkably simple plot. A monster is making evil spots pop up like I just experienced in Splatoon, Bowser's Fury, Color Splash, Origami King, and the last two Zeldas I GOT IT
That said I still love TotK and especially BotW. I'd like to see those game's large worlds and interactive elements mixed in with some more traditional dungeons and progression. Sounds contradictory but I think they can pull it off.
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cinnamonandgravy
Member
let him rest
new IP time
new IP time
L*][*N*K
Member
Anouma hasn't directd a Zelda game since Twilight Princess
Zacfoldor
Member
I don't disagree and ToTK did some things to help in this regard.
Weapon durability killed my enjoyment of BOTW. If Nintendo's argument is, "well, we just want the players to try all out the weapons", well, my counter argument is to make sure all the weapons are fun to use so that's less of an issue, not having a player enjoy a weapon style and then slap it out of their hand after two dozen swings.
I don't think trying out all the weapons was the reason though.
For proper exploration there needs to be a proper reward. In Lies of P for example there is always a Quartz or a new weapon in the latest DLC. Every secret you find feels valuable.
In BotW there is nothing of value without the weapons. Hearts, gems, ect are not exciting. The MOST exciting discovery during exploration is something that changes how you play immediately and so they picked weapons as a major discovery item.
I too think this was a mistake. It was disappointing not to be able to build a permanent arsenal like in other games(especially since the master sword was such a big part of all previous games and the way it was implemented here was mildly disappointing). I think rather they should have implemented a weapon upgrade system instead and had us find the currency instead of new copies of the same weapons it would have been less of a buzz kill. The weapon system as is works very well for the first 5 hours or so(when the game is the hardest) but after that it definitely isn't as exciting and is more of a groan thing to me.
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Neff
Member
I'm talking about a contained, substantial task as opposed to the bite-sized hurdles found in BotW and TotK, or overworld environs bleeding into one another.
The personality of a dungeon, the investment it demands from a player, and the lasting impression it leaves is something missing from modern Zelda.
This is the dream. I've said since the beginning that, while BotW is a masterpiece, there was still room for improvement, and TotK, good as it was, didn't fulfil it.
It's maybe asking a lot, but BotW + dungeons + shrines + underwater exploration would be hard to top.
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MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
Explains a lot. Oh well I have Age of Imprisonment to look forward to.
Yeah and I disagreeing that there isn't memorable unique environs in the new Zeldas. And that those environs aren't contained and substantial.
I know you want the old Zelda design that consisted mostly of 4-5 big linear dungeons usually focused on using the new weapon/gadget just obtained.
peronmls
Member
Yeah, and? You think he left Zelda and Nintendo?
My statement still stands.
Zelda is trash without his creative direction.
L*][*N*K
Member
your brain doesn't function right? It is all dried up in there
nnytk
Member
Call me crazy, but I believe that if Nintendo IS paying attention, they're going to pull an Elden Ring: Nightreign on us.
Next Zelda will have Fortnite and roguelike elements, set in a new world/map. Less focus on the building. More on puzzles and Fortnite gameplay loop (circle closing type of stuff).
I'm honestly excited for something like that.
Next Zelda will have Fortnite and roguelike elements, set in a new world/map. Less focus on the building. More on puzzles and Fortnite gameplay loop (circle closing type of stuff).
I'm honestly excited for something like that.
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RomanceDawn
Member
When it comes to exploration, BotW and TotK are absolutely fantastic. I would agree though that the rewards could be more meaningful. For my tastes, finding a treasure chest at all always gives me a decent feeling of accomplishment. However when there is nothing but another piece of Opal inside, that feeling of accomplishment is diminished. I'm looking at DK Bananza and wondering if that team looked at any criticism from Odyssey and Breath of the Wild and tried to make each of Bananza's collectables feel more meaningful to actual gameplay. This is assuming all that random stuff you find is used to upgrade the clothing or skill trees in meaningful ways that feel tangible.
I propose that some classic tools have upgradable pieces littered throughout the world. Not only that but they also have more use in battle.
1- Hook Shot - Initially found in a dungeon where it's specific puzzles are plentiful. Throughout the world you can find individual chain links that slowly extend the reach of the Hook Shoot thus opening the world a little further. Maybe with just one extra link you don't quite notice the difference but with five links you start to feel how much more useful it becomes.
Now granted, random gems, salt, ore and whatever else can be used to upgrade the various armor sets or add elemental damage to weapons but that personally never gave me a ton of satisfaction beyond defensive upgrades.
2 - Gliding Via Rito Wings - Initially stolen from some dungeon or over world boss. This gives the now standard gliding ability and once again it's attached to stamina. Exactly as you remember it. But here is how we make it more fun! Throughout the world treasure chests or enemies might be holding a single magical feather! Each feather you obtain gives Link more mobility in the air. Far more than TotK's Wing Suit. Not full on Loftwing flight but similar mobility to that of a bird. More like Tulin's father in BotW minus the full on lift at will. Always on the descent but with plenty of options. The more feathers you get the larger and more brilliant the wings become and the more mobile you are in the air. Because Link flaps, enemies can hear this so it's not always safe to just glide in on enemies. Throw in special Owl feathers that allow for mid air stealth. Could be fun.
BotW and TotK allowed it's core tools to be upgraded over time but we never really got anything beyond more power or lasting longer. I feel like elements like this could give the mechanics a fresh feeling even 20+ hours after you initially obtained these items. Then allow significant portions of the map to be gated off without these things and they will feel very important.
A permanent boomerang, maybe a bow, ball & chain or whatever new spinning top weirdness they can come up with could be fun again. Less magical iPad apps and more of these ancient tools spread out throughout the adventure to make traversal and/or combat more fun and engaging. Keep the big open world, just doesn't have to be as open as BotW and throw in more of those classic style dungeons with a mix of the newer kind.
I propose that some classic tools have upgradable pieces littered throughout the world. Not only that but they also have more use in battle.
1- Hook Shot - Initially found in a dungeon where it's specific puzzles are plentiful. Throughout the world you can find individual chain links that slowly extend the reach of the Hook Shoot thus opening the world a little further. Maybe with just one extra link you don't quite notice the difference but with five links you start to feel how much more useful it becomes.
- 5 extra links - longer reach
- 10 extra links - longer reach + bind smaller enemies
- 15 extra links - longer reach + bind larger enemies
Now granted, random gems, salt, ore and whatever else can be used to upgrade the various armor sets or add elemental damage to weapons but that personally never gave me a ton of satisfaction beyond defensive upgrades.
2 - Gliding Via Rito Wings - Initially stolen from some dungeon or over world boss. This gives the now standard gliding ability and once again it's attached to stamina. Exactly as you remember it. But here is how we make it more fun! Throughout the world treasure chests or enemies might be holding a single magical feather! Each feather you obtain gives Link more mobility in the air. Far more than TotK's Wing Suit. Not full on Loftwing flight but similar mobility to that of a bird. More like Tulin's father in BotW minus the full on lift at will. Always on the descent but with plenty of options. The more feathers you get the larger and more brilliant the wings become and the more mobile you are in the air. Because Link flaps, enemies can hear this so it's not always safe to just glide in on enemies. Throw in special Owl feathers that allow for mid air stealth. Could be fun.
- 5 magic feathers - banking speed +1
- 10 magic feathers - banking speed +2
- 15 magic feathers - do a barrel roll.
BotW and TotK allowed it's core tools to be upgraded over time but we never really got anything beyond more power or lasting longer. I feel like elements like this could give the mechanics a fresh feeling even 20+ hours after you initially obtained these items. Then allow significant portions of the map to be gated off without these things and they will feel very important.
A permanent boomerang, maybe a bow, ball & chain or whatever new spinning top weirdness they can come up with could be fun again. Less magical iPad apps and more of these ancient tools spread out throughout the adventure to make traversal and/or combat more fun and engaging. Keep the big open world, just doesn't have to be as open as BotW and throw in more of those classic style dungeons with a mix of the newer kind.
peronmls
Member
Nice gaslight. What do you not understand? Why respond with an insult? Are you that upset that I think your favorite game in the whole world is not as good as it should be? Boohoo, nerd.
Zannegan
Member
I'm with you on durability. Or at least they could tone it down a bit. I wish they'd let you combine identical weapons to reverse damage and increase durability.Steps they can take towards evolution of the franchise is getting rid of Weapon Durability and making gear acquisition and upgrades to HP more meaningful then do the 300+ shrine puzzles that aren't connected to the game world in any way.
Players have been wanting some degree of choice in character customization so I think at this point for Zelda to grow they should let you choose and create your own Character from all of Hyrules races whether it is a Hylian, Goron, Zora, Rito, Gerudo.
If they want to stick to the preset character formula they could opt to give a Link or Linkle option.
And if Princess Zelda is an option many would rather see her use magic as a Mage instead of what we got in Echoes of Wisdom which is summon things to do stuff for you and play as Link sometimes.
I wager half of my playtime in BotW and TotK amounts to
Character choice is an no from me though. It's not that series. If you want to make a game around Zelda or Sheik or or the four champions or whomever, that's fine, but leave Link as a character alone.
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
I just think durability entirely should go away or at least have systems in place that repair weapons and gear using items you find in the world. And not the roundabout way of well if you destroy one of the fabled champion weapons come and buy another from racial vendor in racial city.
Or at the very least when you have a fully powered Master Sword it just doesn't break.
Not sure why they didn't have an upgrade system in place that meant something considering they had this in both OoT and MM with Biggoron's Sword and the Gilded Sword.
Team Skoda
Neo Member
They need to go back to the tried and true Tomb Raider (OG) style dungeons. And have better pacing of giving you tools, and provide XP "tug-of-war" like they did in Zelda 2 to actually make fights engaging once again. And ffs, none of this planned obsolescence bowlshit tier exploding weapons nonsense. Whoever thought of that at Nintendo should be fired.
All of this "creative tinkering" gameplay should have been used in a Mario game instead. I hate that Zelda, of all Nintendo IPs, was the guinea pig for such a formula. I hate current day Nintendo.
All of this "creative tinkering" gameplay should have been used in a Mario game instead. I hate that Zelda, of all Nintendo IPs, was the guinea pig for such a formula. I hate current day Nintendo.
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